WELCOME TO WORSHIP | ONE SERVICE | 10am  

10am | december 31, 2023

PRELUDE
A Call to Christmas | Joseph Martin
Jason Campbell, tenor

© 1999 Malcolm Music, a division of Shawnee Press, Inc.  | All rights reserved | Used with permission under One License #A-726973

WELCOME & WAYS TO CONNECT | christchurchfl.org/ways2connect 
Pastor Alex Shanks and Rev. Dr. Sheryl Marks-Williams

Please see below for the day’s announcements.

* GATHERING CAROL SING
Angels We Have Heard on High | The United Methodist Hymnal No. 238 (verses 1,2)
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,
and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains.

(refrain) Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heavenly song? (refrain)

Austin C. Lovelace © music & words: public domain | Harmonization: © 1964, Abingdon Press | CCLI License # 487103

What Child is This? | The United Methodist Hymnal No. 219 (verses 1,3)
What child is this who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?

(refrain) This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come, peasant, king, to own him;
the King of kings salvations brings, let loving hearts enthrone him.(refrain)

Unknown | William Chatterton Dix | © words & music: public domain | CLI License # 487103

Hark the Herald Angels Sing | The United Methodist Hymnal No. 240 (verses 1,3)
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King. 
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinner reconciled!” 
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies 
with th’angelic hosts proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” 
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! 
Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. 
Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, 
born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. 
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Charles Wesley | Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy | © words & music: public domain | CCLI License # 487103

* OPENING PRAYER | Connie Bookholt, liturgist
Loving God, in the hush that follows the joyous celebration of Christ's birth, we gather once again as a community of faith. As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we seek the guidance of your Spirit and the warmth of your abiding presence. Renew in us a sense of purpose and commitment. May your Spirit move among us, igniting the flames of passion for your kingdom, fostering unity in diversity, and strengthening the bonds of fellowship that make us a family of believers. May the covenant we renew today be a testament to our desire to walk with you each day of the year. Amen.

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

* GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father and to the son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

Henry W. Greatorex | public domain | CCLI License # 487103

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE | Hazem Farraj, director of children and student ministries

SCRIPTURE

1 Peter 1:1-9 | New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To the exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, ² who have been chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood:

May grace and peace be yours in abundance.

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ⁴ and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶  In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, ⁷ so that the genuineness of your faith — being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸ Although you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, ⁹ for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

These are the words of God for us, the people of God. Thanks be to God.

MESSAGE
Our Legacy: Today's Testing - Tomorrow's Faith  | Rev. Dr. Sheryl Marks-Williams

OFFERING 
worshiping through the offering of our lives and gifts.

• Place tithes and offerings in plates passed during worship
• GIVE online at christchurchfl.org/give
• Text GIVE to 954.880.3885
• Mail a check to Christ Church, 4845 NE 25^th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
• Drop tithes and offerings in the wooden boxes as you leave worship

Christ Church is a congregationally supported ministry. We thank you for your faithfulness as we experience and reflect the love, hope and joy of Jesus to our community and our world.

MUSIC MINISTRY
The Jesus Gift | Gilbert Martin
Chancel Choir
Shall I gather emeralds, shall I bring him gold?
Shall I shower diamonds, white hard, bright cold?
Shall I spangle jewels like stars above?
Give him laughter, bring peace filled laughter.
Offer him warm laughter and love.
Simplest of gifts, gentlest of hearts,
Kindness he’ll use as he leads;
So give him these gifts, hand him your hearts,
Honor his birth, and you’ll need no..
Emeralds nor rubies, silver nor gold
Neither bright diamonds, white hard, bright cold
Spangle not rich jewels like stars above.
You’ll have laughter, sweet peace‐filled laughter,
Simple warm laughter and love.

© Copyright 1977 by Hinshaw Music | All rights reserved | Used with permission under One License #A-726973

MORNING PRAYER

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

COVENANT RENEWAL SERVICE

THE ACT OF CONFESSION

Leader Let us now examine ourselves before God, humbly confessing our sins and watching our hearts for anything that prevents us from experiencing the peace of God’s presence. Let us pray:

All O God, the one who has set forth the way of life for us in Jesus: 

We confess that we have been slow to learn, 

We have been reluctant to follow Christ. 

You have spoken and called to us, and we have not heard. 

Your beauty has shone forth, and we have been blinded by other things. 

You have stretched out your hand to us through people among us, 

and we have passed by. 

We have been unworthy of your changeless love.

Have mercy upon us and forgive us, O Lord.

Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

leader This is the message we have heard from Jesus and proclaim to you, 

that God is light, and in God there is no darkness at all. 

If we walk in the light, as God is in the light, 

we have fellowship one with another, 

and Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. 

As we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins, 

and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

all Thanks be to God!

THE COVENANT PRAYER

Leader O Lord God, who has called us through Christ to participate in this gracious covenant: We take upon ourselves with joy the yoke of obedience, and engage ourselves, for love of you, and one another, to seek and do your perfect will. We are no longer our own, but yours. Let us pray:

All I am no longer my own, but yours. 

Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; 

put me to doing, put me to suffering; 

let me be employed for you or laid aside for you, 

exalted for you or brought low for you; 

let me be full, let me be empty; 

let me have all things, let me have nothing. 

I freely and heartily yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God, Oh holy Trinity; 

Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, 

You are mine, and I am yours. 

So be it. 

And the covenant which I have made on earth, 

let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.

Adapted from: “Covenant Renewal Service” by Danbury United Methodist Church and the Rev. Karen Karpow, 2011, and “Covenant Renewal Service” copyright © 1992 UMPH. Wesley Covenant Service abridged by Ole E. Borgen.

* HYMN OF COMMITMENT
Joy to the World | The United Methodist Hymnal No. 246 (verses 1,2,4)
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King;
let every heart prepare him room,
and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ;
while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains 
repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness,
and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love.

George Frideric Handel | Isaac Watts | © words & music: public domain | CCLI License # 487103

SENDING FORTH

* RESPONSE
Spirit Song | The United Methodist Hymnal No. 347
O let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love. 
Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul. 
O let him have the things that hold you, and his Spirit like a dove 
will descend upon your life and make you whole.

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs. 
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.

John Wimber | © 1979 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing Co. | CCLI License # 487103

MUSIC FOR CLOSING
O Come All Ye Faithful | Mary McDonald
Chuck Stanley, organ

© 2014 Lorenz Publishing Co., a division of the Lorenz Corporation | All rights reserved | Used with permission under One License #A-726973

* please stand in body or spirit.

Join us next Sunday for the 9am praise service and the 11am traditional service. We will welcome new Lead Interim Pastor David McEntire as he delivers the message, Inseparable, based on Romans 8: 31-39.

WAYS TO CONNECT | christchurchfl.org/ways2connect

HOLY GROUNDS COFFEE TIME will be open next Sunday before the 9am and 11am services. Join us in the gym lobby for conversation and coffee. 

TIME WITH THE PREACHER returning sunday january 7 | 10am |  fellowship halls 1&2 Time with the Preacher is an opportunity to go deeper into the day’s message at 10am Sundays. Whether you worship at 9am or 11am, you’re sure to learn from and enjoy the comments and insights. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions of the pastor who is leading. Holy Grounds, the coffee area outside the kitchen window, will be open, so grab a cup of coffee and join us.   

CONNECT CARDS We want to connect with you. Please fill out a Connect Card and tell us how we can pray with you and help you be part of the ministries you’re called to. We’d love to hear your ideas also. You’ll find the Connect Card at christchurchfl.org/connectcard.     

SERVE  

ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE sunday | january 14 | 12:30pm Gather with the Anti-Racism Task Force right the 11am worship service in the Fellowship Halls to talk about future events and opportunities to participate. This month, the group will meet in Fellowship Hall 4.  Questions? Send an email to artf@christchurchfl.org

MORE THAN CONQUERORS prayer group third thursday | 6:30pm | fellowship halls This prayer group meets the third Thursday of each month. Bring joys and concerns of your life, our community and our world to the feet of Jesus with others who are devoted to intercessory prayer. Feel free to attend to receive or share in prayer. At 6:30pm, the group gathers in the Fellowship Halls to share and pray about our collective joys and concerns. All are invited. For more information, send an email to info@christchurchfl.org

RAINBOW ALLIANCE GATHERING tuesday | january 30 | 6:30pm | fellowship halls All who want to affirm and extend the love of Christ to our LGBTQ+ siblings are invited to the Rainbow Alliance's 2024 organizational meeting. We'll bring the pizza, wings and salad. You bring your thoughts for mission and ministry. Our plan is to develop Rainbow Alliance missional goals and identify leaders who want to help achieve them. Originally scheduled for January 23, this meeting is now set for Tuesday, January 30, due to the bishop's visit to Hollywood Hills UMC. Questions? Contact Cynthia Metzger Phipps, cmetzgerphipps@christchurchfl.org

SERVE BREAKFAST ON SUNDAY MORNINGS Every Sunday morning at 9am, a community breakfast is shared by about 40 friends and neighbors on the Parkway Campus. Volunteers are needed to help prepare, serve, share and clean-up on Sundays, between 7:30am and 10:30am. If you can help only part of that time, that's OK too. The Parkway Campus is located at 100 NE 44^th Street, Deerfield Beach. 

SHARE YOUR MUSICAL TALENTS The Christ Church music ministry invites you to consider sharing your musical talents. Instrument players as well as vocalists are invited to contact Jason Campbell, director of music ministry, at jcampbell@christchurchfl.org  

LEAD MORNING PRAYERS weekdays | 7:30am | on Facebook When the Christ Church family gathers weekday mornings at 7:30am, we could use your help as a leader of the morning devotions. If you would like to do this, the pastors will show you how. Just send an email to Pastor Peytyn, ptobin@christchurchfl.org  

LOVE IN ACTION FORT LAUDERDALE Volunteers are needed to help prepare meatloaf dinners in the Fort Lauderdale Campus kitchen.  The meals will be prepared on the second Thursday, January 11, this month. The team works 2-4pm to prepare the meal, which is served at Hope Central, 1100 N. Andrews Ave. If you can help, please send an email to info@christchurchfl.org  

BLESSINGS FOOD PANTRY NEEDS TRUCK DRIVER The Blessings Food Pantry, a Christ Church ministry, needs a volunteer truck driver on Monday and Wednesday mornings starting in January. This volunteer drives a church truck to two Publix stores within 10 miles of the Parkway campus. At each store, they get paperwork signed by a store employee, and load and unload boxes that can weigh up to 60 pounds. There will be help to unload the truck when it arrives at the Parkway Campus. The route starts at 7am and lasts until about 10am those two days. Volunteers for this role need to pass a church background check, provide a current driver's license, and pass a short driving test with Mike Gartland, facilities director. If you are interested in volunteering in this way, please contact Mike Gartland, mgartland@christchurchfl.org. 

JOIN THE WELCOME TEAM Do you enjoy greeting your church family and welcoming guests? The Welcome Team would be a great place for you to serve. Welcome Team members also help serve communion and collect the offering. Some welcome team members also serve as ushers and greeters for memorial services and other special events. Linda Bajkowsky coordinates the team and would love your help. Serving with the Welcome Team is a great way to get to know your church family. Sign up at christchurchfl.org/serve  

BE PART OF THE WORSHIP TECH TEAM Put your tech skills to work for God. If you would like to be part of the team that helps run the cameras and visuals for worship, send an email to info@christchurchfl.org  

CONNECT  

RECEPTION FOR PASTOR DAVID McENTIRE sunday | january 14 You are invited to receptions to greet Pastor David McEntire and his wife Nancy on Sunday, January 14, after the 9am and 11am services. The receptions will be held in Fellowship Halls 1-3.

SHARED MEALS You are invited to share a meal and community twice a week on the Parkway Campus. On Wednesday at 5pm, a shared dinner is served to all who come. On Sunday at 9am, breakfast is shared. All are invited to enjoy great conversation over lovingly prepared food.   

CHRIST CHURCH AT TRIVIA NIGHT mondays resuming january 8 | 7:30pm | Funky Buddha Brewery We’ll return to playing trivia on Monday nights at the Funky Buddha. It’s an informal gathering of folks who just have fun trying to answer the questions and catching up on each others’ lives. Look for Team #LFG at the Funky Buddha, 1201 NE 38^th Street, Oakland Park, on Monday nights.   

GROW     

MORNING PRAYERS weekdays | 7:30am Begin your weekdays praying with your church family at 7:30am on the Christ Church Facebook page, @christchurchfl. If you can’t be online at 7:30, a recording of morning prayers is available on Facebook.  Morning prayers take a break on church and federal holidays.     

HEALING     

FAITH CARING TEAM mondays | 1pm The Faith Caring Group reflects and addresses the need for caring and assistance as well as grief support. The group meets on Zoom every Monday of the month, except the second Monday when members have lunch at the Fort Lauderdale Olive Garden. For more information, send an email to info@christchurchfl.org with your contact information. A Faith Caring Group leader will get back to you.  

STUDENT MINISTRY  

FREEWAY SERVICE HOURS IN THE GARDEN Freeway will return soon to working in The Fruitful Field organic garden on the Parkway Campus. Questions? Send an email to Mr. Hazem, director of children & student ministries, hfarraj@christchurchfl.org

GOOD GAME “GG” WEDNESDAYS This fun time for middle- and high school students will return soon to learning and playing games, as well as growing in faith. Questions? Send an email to Mr. Hazem, director of children & student ministries, hfarraj@christchurchfl.org